New Restructuring & Insolvency Partner joins growing Ashfords team

Melissa George has joined UK law firm Ashfords as a Restructuring & Insolvency partner. Melissa’s arrival is the latest in a series of hires that are part of the firm’s strategy to grow its broader banking & finance offer.

Melissa joins the firm from Thrings, where she was a partner specialising in restructuring and insolvency, and was responsible for leading the distressed restructuring and turnaround practice. She has extensive experience assisting stakeholders of entities facing financial distress with a view to seeking a managed exit; whether through a restructure leading to a solvent solution, or a managed exit via an insolvency planned process.

Recognised as “a sensible practitioner who knows her stuff”, Melissa has over 20 years' experience advising financial stakeholders including insolvency practitioners, directors, secured and unsecured creditors and individuals on a range issues. These include business disposals and acquisitions, asset realisation and preservation, security, claims against directors in breach of duty, antecedent transactions (preferences and transactions defrauding creditors) and disqualification proceedings.

Ashfords has been growing its UK finance offer and in particular its restructuring & insolvency expertise. In the last year the firm has welcomed Senior Restructuring & Insolvency Associate Nicola Brastock to its Bristol office from Thrings and Banking & Finance Legal Director Anna Thompson to its Exeter office from Michelmores  - Anna also has significant restructuring & insolvency transactions experience. The firm has similarly invested in its London restructuring & insolvency capability with Crispin Jones promoted to partner in 2022. 

Commenting on the news, Partner David Pomeroy, said: “Melissa joins the team at a crucial time as businesses face challenges on a number of fronts from increasing price pressures to supply side challenges and workforce shortages. She has a huge amount of experience in turnaround and  restructuring & insolvency transactional and advisory work. She will be a great asset to our clients and key part of our growing team.”

Restructuring & Insolvency Partner Melissa George said: "Ashfords is growing and investing in its capability.  I’m looking forward to expanding my practice, working closely with clients and colleagues in a pragmatic and solutions focused manner to deliver an exceptional restructuring & insolvency service for clients.”

The firm advises on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious restructuring and insolvency deals for businesses and individuals. The team was recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2023 and Partner David Pomeroy is listed in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame.